The Science of Naad Yoga: Why Chanting Works

This article was published in the Summer, 2003 Aquarian Times Magazine and was written by Guru Tera Kaur Khalsa

Naad is the basic sound weaving through all languages throughout all times. This sound comes from one common source, or sound current, but is not a physical sound.  It is the universal code behind language and human communication. It is the vibration of the creativity inherent in the Universe and in your inner being.

Sounds and words that are imbued with harmony and awaken perception and intuition are the mantras of Naad Yoga, the science of sound and communication. Naad Yoga is built on language, the movement of the tongue in the mouth, and chemical changes in the brain.

When you chant a mantra, the movement of each part of the tongue stimulates specific meridian points on the upper palate (see box). The points function like a keyboard for a computer, which, in this example, is located in the hypothalamus area of the brain. It receives the impulses from the repetition of the patterns of sound in the mantra.

[box]

MERIDIAN POINTS

There are 84 meridian points located on the hard palate, which is part of the roof of the mouth. Thirty-two pairs of points (64 points) are located on the hard palate surface directly behind and along the inside of the teeth, four points with each tooth. The other 20 points are located in a curve or “U” shape on the central part of the palate, with 10 pairs of points along each side.[/box]

These impulses are translated into instructions that regulate chemical messengers in the brain. In yogic physiology, this is called Naad Namodam Rasaa. Naad refers to communicating harmony, namodam means addressing, and rasaa means juice.  Naad Yoga is a process of producing that harmony through which the aad, the Infinite, can be experienced.

The special patterns of the mantras of Naad Yoga stimulate the hypothalamus to adjust the chemistry of the brain. The functions of the endocrine system and metabolism are consequently adjusted to create a neutral balanced mind and to strengthen the immune function. Naad Yoga can be used to conquer depression, enhance intelligence and intuition and open the power of compassion.

Antar Naad Mudra

Antar Naad Mudra, the base of all mantras, is the meditation meant to fully open the chakras. It is a sensitizing meditation for the impact of the inner sound current. The original practice of mastery in mantra required that you master this before any other mantra practice.

Sit in Easy Pose, with a light Jalandhar Bandh (neck lock – pull the chin back slightly). Keep the spine lengthened. Let the arms extend straight and rest over the knees. Make Buddha Mudra with both hands: touch the thumb tips to the tips of the little fingers.  The other fingers are relaxed but straight.

Become completely and comfortably still, physically and mentally, like a calm ocean. Chant the following mantra, or if listening to the mantra on a CD, first listen to the chant for one minute and then begin chanting along with it. Feel the mantra’s rhythm in every cell.

Mantra Words

Sa Re Sa Sa, Sa Re Sa Sa
(Saa Ray Saa Saa, Saa Ray Saa Saa)
Sa Re Sa Sa, Sa Rung
(Saa Ray Saa Saa, Saa Rung)
Har Re Har Har, Har Re Har Har
(Har Ray Har Har, Har Ray Har Har*)
Har Re Har Har, Har Rung
(Har Ray Har Har, Har Rung)

Continue for 11-31 minutes. To end, inhale deeply, hold briefly, exhale and relax.

The structure of the mantra is coded in the qualities each of its sounds represents, and also in the rhythm that weaves them together, forming a coherent whole with powerful effects.

Sa means totality, life. It is the subtle element of ether. It initiates and contains all other effects.

Har is the creativity of the Earth, the dense element. It is the power of manifestation, the tangible, the personal.

These sounds are woven together and then projected through the sound rung, or complete totality.

It is said that anyone who practices this meditation, and masters its sound current, is guaranteed prosperity, creativity, and protection against attacks.  It is also said to give new power to your words and bring good fortune.

From The Aquarian Teacher, pp 67-70.

*Har does not rhyme with car, but rather the “a” is short like the “u” in mud, and the “r” is created by flicking the tongue to the roof of the mouth like a rolled “r” in Spanish.

View the original Aquarian Times article here.

Here is the version of Sa Re Sa Sa by Guru Shabad Singh Khalsa:

Here’s what Guru Shabad Singh says about this Mantra:

“Our recording of Sa Re Sa Sa began with the practice of chanting to musically recorded mantras in Kundalini yoga classes. Yogi Bhajan (Master of Kundalini yoga), first gave out Sa Re Sa Sa many years ago at Khalsa Women’s Training Camp in Espanola, NM. He told them “this is the base mantra of all mantras. You must perfect it before all others. Before the mantra, adversity cannot stand. It gives you power of communication. It is to conquer the wisdom of the past, present and future. It will bring prosperity to those who do not know how to spell it. It will bring you good luck when you have done nothing good”

You can purchase this album on Apple Music, Spotify, Sat Nam Europe, etc.